Is it possible to be baptised into Christianity without PROFESSING belief?

[nathanielfirst]

I know people like Lutherans, Catholics insist on a lot of doctrinal instruction, answering questions, believing a catechism, is there anywheres you can just go get baptized, what you believe is between you and God, no questioning? I'm knowledgeable about the Bible, but my conclusions are a bit unorthodox, not terribly. It has to do with the nature of the trinity among other things, so I do not want to answer lots of questions, 'Do you accept Jesus Christ as your personal saviour?' etc., I am not anything close to unitarian, I do believe in the definite importance of the Bible as a holy book. My problem is a desire to be baptized without lying to someone about what I think. Who does this some type of revivalist or baptist?

 

[kenrapoza]

I know people like Lutherans, Catholics insist on a lot of doctrinal instruction, answering questions, believing a catechism, is there anywheres you can just go get baptized, what you believe is between you and God, no questioning? I'm knowledgeable about the Bible, but my conclusions are a bit unorthodox, not terribly. It has to do with the nature of the trinity among other things, so I do not want to answer lots of questions, 'Do you accept Jesus Christ as your personal saviour?' etc., I am not anything close to unitarian, I do believe in the definite importance of the Bible as a holy book. My problem is a desire to be baptized without lying to someone about what I think. Who does this some type of revivalist or baptist?

Hey there, welcome to CF!

That's kind of a tough one. There probably are some groups that will baptize you without many questions asked, probably those of the liberal protestant variety. The problem is that historically and theologically, baptism is not separated from belief. It is incorporation into the visible covenant community wherein the Gospel is believed, preached and confessed.

Many of the early Christians were martyrs for the faith. They understood that their baptism may actually be a death sentence. Those heroes of the faith boldly confessed Jesus as Lord in public and were baptized into the visible church.

I respect your desire to remain intellectually honest and not violate your conscience. In and of themselves, those are positive things that I agree with. But consider what you're asking. You're asking to take the sign of covenant initiation, union with Christ and his church, while not affirming the faith that makes the church what it is. Simply avoiding the questions, while knowing that they wouldn't approve if they knew your views, isn't intellectually honest either.

Let me ask you this: are you familiar with any denominations that hold to your beliefs and that you would agree with?

 

[Evenstar253]

Probably most denominations that aren't Unitarian have some questions you would have to answer to become a confirmed member, but I imagine the specificity of the questions varies. I have no idea what the membership requirements for other denominations are, but the only requirements for membership (ordination is more complex) in the PC(USA) are to trust in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior and to pledge to be a faithful member of the church (and laity and clergy alike are allowed great freedom for interpretation). Beyond that, the interpretation really is up to the individual member. I have some views of my own that would be considered liberal/unorthodox, but I have no qualms about my PC(USA) membership. I can't say for sure, but I would imagine it's similar in other mainline Protestant denominations.

Not saying mainline Protestant churches are your only choices; just throwing them out there as options. Like Ken said, it would be best to really examine both your own views and the views of various churches to see if any would be a good fit. Best of luck with your search!

 

[AMR]

My problem is a desire to be baptized without lying to someone about what I think.

Why then would you seek to be aligned with a group that would allow you to lie? What do you believe? Can you articulate it clearly? That is the starting point. Where you fit within the visible church, if at all, will come from careful analysis of your stated beliefs.

AMR

 

[gideon army]

I know people like Lutherans, Catholics insist on a lot of doctrinal instruction, answering questions, believing a catechism, is there anywheres you can just go get baptized, what you believe is between you and God, no questioning? I'm knowledgeable about the Bible, but my conclusions are a bit unorthodox, not terribly. It has to do with the nature of the trinity among other things, so I do not want to answer lots of questions, 'Do you accept Jesus Christ as your personal saviour?' etc., I am not anything close to unitarian, I do believe in the definite importance of the Bible as a holy book. My problem is a desire to be baptized without lying to someone about what I think. Who does this some type of revivalist or baptist?

Dearly Beloved nathanielfirst,

Am impressed greatly that you believe The Bible is THE Definite Holy Book from GOD

OK then believe you've read this?

Let's see what the Law says:-

Exodus 20:15 "You shall not steal."

Taken from 1 of the 10 Commandments

Exodus 22:12 But if, in fact, it is stolen from him, he shall make restitution to the owner of it.

Numbers 5:7 then he shall confess the sin which he has committed. He shall make restitution for his trespass in full, plus one-fifth of it, and give [it] to the one he has wronged.

Lastly these are the WORDS of our LORD Jesus Christ:-

John 3:5 Jesus answered, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.

Most Denominations will tell/teaches new believers that they need to be water Baptized right? If you go strictly according to what Christ said above then you're Absolutely spont on, some even ask you to make Confession & RESTITUTIONS & so forth right?

however there's a small note which i'll like to bring to your attention:-

Luke 23:42 Then he said to Jesus, "Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom."

Luke 23:43 And Jesus said to him, "Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise."

Above transpired between 1 thief who hung on the cross beside our Lord Christ Jesus.

Question 1: Did Thief Confess his sins?
Question 2: Did he make Restitutions
Question 3: Was he baptized in water? That's not even close to being baptized in the Holy Spirit right?

If you contrast all of the Above then it's very confusing & contridictory right?

However Apostle Paul who wrote nearly 70% of the New Testament have The Best Revealations & it's contained in Romans 10

Romans 10:13 For "whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved."

If you contrast Romans 10:13 with Luke 23:43 then it all make sense/ consistant for which GOD the FATHER/Son & Holy Spirit makes it EASY & men makes it hard!

From your questions 'what you believe is between you and God, no questioning?" Spot on Deeply Beloved of our LORD Jesus Christ covenant bro/sis

 

[LiturgyInDMinor]

Why then would you seek to be aligned with a group that would allow you to lie? What do you believe? Can you articulate it clearly? That is the starting point. Where you fit within the visible church, if at all, will come from careful analysis of your stated beliefs.

AMR

The ever-eternal professor eh AMR?

Profession of Faith is HUGE in my book. Now mind you, it doesn't require a big formal affair either.

 

[DD2008]

I know people like Lutherans, Catholics insist on a lot of doctrinal instruction, answering questions, believing a catechism, is there anywheres you can just go get baptized, what you believe is between you and God, no questioning? I'm knowledgeable about the Bible, but my conclusions are a bit unorthodox, not terribly. It has to do with the nature of the trinity among other things, so I do not want to answer lots of questions, 'Do you accept Jesus Christ as your personal saviour?' etc., I am not anything close to unitarian, I do believe in the definite importance of the Bible as a holy book. My problem is a desire to be baptized without lying to someone about what I think. Who does this some type of revivalist or baptist?

The reason God gave us pastors is to teach us correctly. You should visit the nearest Reformed Church to you and ask the pastor some questions.

A truely humble heart seeking truth will understand the need to learn from those who God has appointed to teach. They didn't get a calling from God and go through all those years of school for nothing.

 

[gideon army]

The reason God gave us pastors is to teach us correctly. You should visit the nearest Reformed Church to you and ask the pastor some questions.

A truely humble heart seeking truth will understand the need to learn from those who God has appointed to teach. They didn't get a calling from God and go through all those years of school for nothing.

Dearly Beloved of our Lord's DD2008,

There's a few important statements you've made which i must or anybody in this world would agree but that's just carnally & it's in the Natural for which i find FAULT & it's NOT Scripturally. Believe you or body for that matter Interested with what i have to say & vice versa hence Let's see what the Word of Chrst says shall we:-

However may i humbly suggest & point out to you a small Truth that Great men of GOD like Starting with:-

Noah (Rest which is also REST in the LORD)
Moses (Drawn- revealation to drawn the Children of Israel out of Bondage into the Promised Land)
Prophet Samuel (EL from GOD)
king David (Beloved & a simple Shepherd boy)
king Solomon ( Peace/Shalom in every sense of that word for everything)
Prophet Elijah (My GOD is Johovah)

Just to name a few, were they taught by any Scribes/ Pharisees/ Theologiens/ Pastors/ popes/ Pastors/bishops?

It couldn't be further from the truth (For Christ said: The Truth will set you free) as listed are great men of faith/ Trust/ Power from GOD right?

Jer 31:34 No more shall every man teach his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, 'Know the LORD,' for they all shall know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them, says the LORD. For I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more."

Isn't above prophetic prophecy coming to pass with a huge ground swell of GOSPEL raging like a wild fire across the world that transent boundries?

You might wanna consider this- REPENT , not thru DEAD works but using the Bible Original Greek metanoeō which translate to:- to change one's mind, i.e. to repent

It was taken from :-

Matthew 3:2 and saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!"

Dearly Beloved DD2008, i've always only used the infallible/Eternal word of GOD in all my excharges with you hence would appreciate if you could extend to me & the General Reading Public the same Courtesy?

I speak Shalom over you (DD2008) & your Family & may the GOD of Abraham/ Isaac/ Jacob makes HIS Face shine upon you & be gracious to you Numbers 6:25

 

[DD2008]

Dearly Beloved of our Lord's DD2008,

There's a few important statements you've made which i must or anybody in this world would agree but that's just carnally & it's in the Natural for which i find FAULT & it's NOT Scripturally. Believe you or body for that matter Interested with what i have to say & vice versa hence Let's see what the Word of Chrst says shall we:-

However may i humbly suggest & point out to you a small Truth that Great men of GOD like Starting with:-

Noah (Rest which is also REST in the LORD)
Moses (Drawn- revealation to drawn the Children of Israel out of Bondage into the Promised Land)
Prophet Samuel (EL from GOD)
king David (Beloved & a simple Shepherd boy)
king Solomon ( Peace/Shalom in every sense of that word for everything)
Prophet Elijah (My GOD is Johovah)

Just to name a few, were they taught by any Scribes/ Pharisees/ Theologiens/ Pastors/ popes/ Pastors/bishops?

It couldn't be further from the truth (For Christ said: The Truth will set you free) as listed are great men of faith/ Trust/ Power from GOD right?

Jer 31:34 No more shall every man teach his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, 'Know the LORD,' for they all shall know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them, says the LORD. For I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more."

Isn't above prophetic prophecy coming to pass with a huge ground swell of GOSPEL raging like a wild fire across the world that transent boundries?

You might wanna consider this- REPENT , not thru DEAD works but using the Bible Original Greek metanoeō which translate to:- to change one's mind, i.e. to repent

It was taken from :-

Matthew 3:2 and saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!"

Dearly Beloved DD2008, i've always only used the infallible/Eternal word of GOD in all my excharges with you hence would appreciate if you could extend to me & the General Reading Public the same Courtesy?

I speak Shalom over you (DD2008) & your Family & may the GOD of Abraham/ Isaac/ Jacob makes HIS Face shine upon you & be gracious to you Numbers 6:25

How did I miss this post?

You and I are from different denominations. Dialog between us would probably have to start real small because I can tell already there are a lot of differences. I am a Presbyterian because that is what I believe is biblical. This is a Presbyterian forum....

We ordain Pastors to teach us the scriptures from the pulpit, in classes, and whenever needed. That does not mean we don't learn from the scriptures on our own as well. But there have been many christians who came to accords in many councils who's convictions cannot be denied, so we learn from the bible as the inerrant Word of God, we learn from documents and councils to interpret the Word of God.

To ignore your elders is to ignore wisdom. To ignore wisdom is to embrace folly.